Monday, July 5, 2010

The Novodevichy Convent, Moscow

Arriving on May 28 is possibly my favorite postcard so far.  I love the colors of the postcard, and the building itself is gorgeous.  


The location itself has quite an interesting history.  The Novodevichy Convent was founded in 1524, and originally built as a fortress. In the years following, it has served as a fortress, a convent and monastery, a shelter for royal Russian ladies (those that had to "take the veil"), a military hospital, orphanage, museum and apartments. There is also a cemetery on the grounds.  In 1812, Napoleon's army tried to  destroy it, and Tolstoy used it as a setting for scenes in both 'War and Peace' and 'Anna Karenina'.  
  


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